What Causes Pain In Testicle?

Testicles are egg-shaped reproductive organs located in the scrotum. Pain in the testicles can be caused by minor injuries to the area. However, if you’re experiencing pain in the testicle, you need to have your symptoms evaluated. Pain in the... Read More

Testicles are
egg-shaped reproductive organs located in the scrotum. Pain in the testicles
can be caused by minor injuries to the area. However, if you’re experiencing
pain in the testicle, you need to have your symptoms evaluated.

Pain in the scrotum can be the result of serious conditions like testicular
torsion or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Ignoring the pain may cause
irreversible damage to the testicles and scrotum.

Often, problems with the testicles cause abdominal or groin pain
before pain in the testicle develops. Unexplained abdominal or groin pain
should also be evaluated by your doctor.

What Are the Common Underlying Causes of Pain in the Testicle?

Trauma or injury to the testicles can cause pain, but pain in the
testicle is often the result of medical issues that will require treatment.
These include:

damage to the nerves of the scrotum
caused by diabetic neuropathy

epididymitis, or inflammation of the
testicles, caused by the STI chlamydia

gangrene, or the death of tissues,
as a result of untreated testicular torsion or trauma

a hydrocele, which is characterized
by swelling of the scrotum

an inguinal hernia

kidney stones

orchitis, or inflammation of the
testicle

a spermatocele, or fluid in the
testicle

an undescended testicle

a varicocele, or a group of enlarged
veins in the testicle

In some instances, pain in the testicle can be caused by a severe
medical condition known as testicular
torsion. In this condition, the testicle becomes twisted, cutting off
blood supply to the testicle. This can cause damage to the tissue.

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that must be treated
quickly to prevent damage to the testicles. The condition occurs more
frequently in males between the ages of 10 and 20.

Pain in the testicle is rarely caused by testicular cancer. Testicular cancer typically causes a lump on the testicles that’s often painless. Your doctor should evaluate any lump that forms on your testicles.

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

Call your doctor for an appointment if:

you feel a lump on your scrotum

you develop a fever

your scrotum is red, warm to the touch, or
tender

you’ve recently been in contact with someone who
has the mumps

You should seek emergency medical attention if your testicular
pain:

is sudden or severe

occurs along with nausea or vomiting

is caused by an injury that’s painful or if
swelling occurs after one hour

How Can Pain in the Testicle Be Treated?

Pain that doesn’t require medical care can be treated at home
using the following measures:

Wear an athletic supporter, or cup,
to support the scrotum.

Use ice to reduce swelling in the
scrotum.

Take warm baths.

Support your testicles while lying
down by placing a rolled towel under your scrotum.

Use over-the-counter pain
medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain.

With more severe pain, you’ll need to seek treatment from your
doctor. Your doctor will complete a physical exam of your abdomen, groin, and
scrotum to determine what’s causing your pain and will also ask you about your
current health conditions and any other symptoms.

an ultrasound, which is a type of imaging test, of
the testicles and scrotal sac

a urinalysis

urine cultures

an examination of secretions from the prostate, which requires a rectal exam

Once your doctor diagnoses the cause of your pain, they’ll be
able to provide treatment. The treatment may include:

antibiotics to treat an infection

surgery to untwist the testicle if you have testicular
torsion

a surgical evaluation for potential correction
of an undescended testicle

pain medications

surgery to reduce fluid accumulation in the
testicles

What Are the Complications of Testicular Pain?

Your doctor can successfully treat most cases of pain in the
testicle. An untreated infection such as chlamydia or a serious condition such
as testicular torsion may result in permanent damage to your testicles and
scrotum. Damage may impact fertility and reproduction. Testicular torsion that
results in gangrene can cause a life-threatening infection that can spread
throughout your body.

How Can You Prevent Pain in the Testicle?

Not all cases of pain in the testicle can be prevented, but there
are some steps you can take to reduce the underlying causes of this pain. These
steps include:

wearing an athletic supporter to prevent injury
to the testicles

practicing safe sex, including using a condom,
during intercourse

examining your testicles once per month to note
changes or lumps

emptying your bladder completely when you
urinate to help prevent urinary tract infections

If you practice these steps and still experience testicular pain,
seek medical treatment immediately.

Medically reviewed by Steve Kim, MD on February 22, 2016 — Written by Darla Burke